Rebekah Brooks phone hacking trial underway after jury delay

THE JURY in the Rebekah Brooks phone hacking trial was sworn in yesterday, following a lengthy selection process and official warnings to avoid satirical takes on the case.

Former News International chief executive Brooks will stand trial alongside seven others, including David Cameron’s former communications chief Andy Coulson, on charges that include illegally accessing voicemails and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The trial is expected to last six months and the judge warned jurors to avoid reading accounts of the case or looking up old news stories online.

Last night the Metropolitan Police confirmed that two of its officers had asked a newspaper seller at Farringdon station to stop selling the new edition of Private Eye – featuring Brooks – because it could be in contempt of court, but Attorney General Dominic Grieve said proceedings for potential contempt were not needed.